The allure of Bollywood’s red carpets and flashing cameras hides a grim reality, as confessed by veteran actress Upasana Singh. Famous for her hilarious Pinky Bua persona on television, she opened up about the entertainment sector’s forgotten warriors who battle poverty amid the glamour.

In a revealing conversation, Upasana dismantled the fairy-tale image of showbiz. Her role in the artists’ association exposed her to shocking facts: performers earning as little as 1,200 rupees yearly, gigs scarce at four to five days, and hefty cuts from earnings. ‘In a city like Mumbai, survival is a daily war,’ she emphasized.

Coordinators siphon off 25% from 5,000-rupee daily pays, and delayed payments exacerbate the crisis. Post-TDS deductions, artists often can’t afford healthcare, turning basic needs into distant dreams. Upasana, who shone in films such as Chalte Chalte and Comedy Nights with Kapil, expressed deep sorrow over these plights.

Blessed with lead roles and fan adoration, she now channels her platform into advocacy. The association is ramping up aid programs, but Upasana calls for broader industry reforms. This exposé challenges viewers to see beyond the laughs and applause to the human cost of entertainment.